Heritage

Part of the magic of Christmas is giving and receiving gifts. The presents might be simple, homemade, and practical or expensive and luxurious, but they represent the love we have for one another. To put it simply, we give treasures to the…

Discover the story behind this beloved Catholic devotion

Since the Vatican canonized the first saint from America — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton — an inordinate number of saints (and near saints) have been born in or became famous for their work in New Orleans or Louisiana. With this issue, Catholic…

When is New Year’s Day? Everybody assumes it is Jan.1, but for centuries Catholics observed March 25 as the start of the new year. March 25 is around the beginning of spring, but in the Church’s calendar it is the Solemnity of the…

In 2009, I was introduced to the Marian devotion of Our Lady Undoer of Knots when I was given an assignment to write about this little-known devotion. Discovering Our Lady Undoer of Knots was the answer to a prayer I had to made for help in…

“Michael,” I shouted, “your time’s up! Come out of there!” My frustration was building as I stood in front of the inflated carnival castle filled with small children jumping and bouncing to their hearts’ delight. My 3-year-old son, Michael,…

American Sisters have come a long way from baking Communion dough with tongs over an open fire

There are many beautiful Christmas traditions that stir us to a deeper appreciation of this holy season. Candles and colored lights awaken our senses and remind us of the Light of Christ entering the world. The scents of holiday cooking…

Explore the origin and meaning of this popular sacramental

Have you ever uncovered an amazing story behind a devotion you grew up with, one that was an unquestioned part of your prayer life? As you matured in faith, did you discover a particular devotion and wonder at its growth and integration in…